David and his forces fell back to Mahanaim, which had been the royal seat of Ishbosheth. This was a strongly fortified city, surrounded by a mountainous district favorable for retreat in case of war. The country was well-provisioned, and the people were friendly to the cause of David. Here many adherents joined him, while wealthy tribesmen brought abundant gifts of provision, and other needed supplies.

David og hans soldater kastede sig ind i Mahanajim, som havde været Isjbosjets kongesæde. Det var en stærkt befæstet by, som var omgivet af bjerge, der egnede sig fortræffeligt som skjulesteder under en krig. Landet var velforsynet, og befolkningen var David venligt stemt. Han vandt mange tilhængere her, og velhavende stammehøvdinge bragte rigelige forsyninger.